You have finished examining a patient with low-back pain. Diagnostic imaging confirms your hypothesis that the patient has a mild disk protrusion at the L4-L5 level. The patient also has a diminished lumbar curve and a lateral shift. Which of the following would be your first intervention?
1. Instruct the patient in active extension exercises
2. Instruct the patient in active flexion exercises
3. Attempt to correct the lateral shift
4. Apply moist heat and ultrasound
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